Editors’ Table

Editors' Table Official Announcement Within the month of September, 1915, there will be issued from The Deseret Nezus press a book entitled Jesus the Christ, written by Elder James E. Talmage, of the Council of the Twelve. This important work has been prepared by appointment, and is to be published by the Church. The field of treatment is indicated on the title-page as "A study of the Messiah and his mission, ac- cording to Holy Scriptures both ancient and modern." The book is more than a "Life of Christ" in the ordinary ac- ceptation of that title, as it not only treats at length the narrative of our Lord's life and ministry in the flesh, together with his death, resurrection, and ascension, but deals also with his antemortal existence and Godship, and with his ministry in the resurrected state, both of old and in the current dispensation. The sacred subject of our Savior's life and mission is presented as it is ac- cepted and proclaimed by the Church that bears his Holy Name. We desire that the work, "Jesus the Christ" be read and studied by the Latter-day Saints, in their families, and in the organizations that are devoted wholly or in part to theological study. We commend it especially for use in our Church schools, as also for the advanced theological classes in Sunday schools and priesthood quorums, for the instruction of our missionaries, and for general reading. Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, Charles W. Penrose, First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Salt Lake City, Utah, Aug. 13, 1915. Early Days in the West Wre cull from a very interesting letter, dated May 19, 1915, addressed to President Joseph F. Smith, by the venerable J. M. Studebaker, of the Studebaker corporation of South Bend, Indi- ana, Mr. Studebaker, among other things, says of the war : "I can assure you that I would feel very much better today if this war never had occurred. The war has created a great slump in business throughout our whole country. It was unnec-

essary and uncalled for, and I can only wonder, what is the har- vest to be? God and he alone can tell." Mr. Studebaker becomes reminiscent, and writes : "Receiving a letter from the president of the great 'Mor- mon' Church naturally reminds me of my life when I was a boy of nineteen, crossing the plains in the first Studebaker wagon. After a weary trip, as we appeared at the head of Emigration canyon, I saw a view that I shall never forget. The train stopped and everybody looked down into that beautiful valley and .ipon the adobe houses in what is now known as Salt Lake City. The memory of that is still fresh in my mind. Our company was made up strict- ly to convoy horses which *ve were taking across to Califor- nia for breeding purposes. I remember how anxious Pres- ident Brigham Young was to buy some of our horses, and if my memory serves me right, President Wells, then marshal of the city, was also eager to buy some, but the owners refused to sell them. We had run short of provisions and we stayed near what is today known -as Hot Springs for about a week or ten days recruiting our stock. "Through President Brigham Young we received a full supply of goods for the balance of our trip, and when, in later years, I visited Salt Lake it was always a pleasure to call on Mr. Young and talk business. In those days a man who had been to Salt Lake and had come back to the States, as they called it at that time, was kept pretty busy answering questions, in reference to the country and its customs. I am gratified to know that the Church and the people of the 'Mormon' religion are prospering and growing. "I will soon be eighty-two years old, and I can assure you that if I take any long trip west, I will take great pleasure in calling on you at Salt Lake. If you ever come east, it will be a pleasure to have you drop off at our factory that we may show you the scope and growth of our enterprise." MR. J. M. STUDEBAKER An Important Message In this number of the Era is printed the address of Dr. James E. Talmage on the "Philosophical Basis of 'Mormonism.' ''

The address was delivered on invitation before the World's Con- gress of Religious Philosophies, at the Panama-Pacific Inter- national Exposition, at San Francisco, California, July 29. It is a masterpiece of clear statements on the foundation facts relating to the religious belief and practice of the Latter-day Saints : the existence of a personal God, whose offspring we are ; our pre-existence and eternal duration ; man's mission on earth ; the transgression and fall ; the need of a Redeemer to overcome death and to provide for the resurrection from death to immortal- ity; the plan of salvation through which this must be done; the establishment of the Church of Christ; the falling away from the gospel principles, or the apostasy; the restoration in the current age and the reestablishment of the Church ; and the mission of the restored Church to preach the gospel and administer in the ordinances thereof, preparatory to the reign of Christ on earth as Lord of lords and King of kings. We advise every young man to read this address. It presents to him clear ideas upon a subject that to us is the big thing in life \ — old though it be. Here we have it presented in authentic form, in easily read type. Do not say, it is an old story printed over and over again, — and so just give it a glance and thrust it aside. Take it, topic by topic, and thoughtfully consider it. You will like your religion better when you finish. The great congregation in the Civic Auditorium, containing world famous workers in religious and social service from all parts of the earth, attentively listened to its delivery, and were greatly impressed with it. It is the message which we are under obliga- tions to deliver to the world of mankind — a philosophy that should be as familiar to every Latter-day Saint in text and act as the Lord's prayer. At the Columbian Fair in Chicago, in 1893, Elder B. H. Roberts was chosen to represent the Latter-day Saints at the Parli- ament of Religions held in Columbus Hall, September 11 to 27, that year. He found it next to impossible to get a hearing. The "Mormons" were practically excluded. So strong was the dog- matic prejudice of the leaders of the old orthodox faiths — which were then looking to the solving of the conflict between those faiths and the seeming menace of material science, — that the "Mormons" were denied a hearing. This, notwithstanding their religious message bore the stamp of practical service to mankind, combined with a strong spirituality so inherent in the true gospel of Jesus Christ. His paper is found in Vol. II, Improvement Era, pp. 584, 673, 750, 831, 893. Not so at San Francisco where the promoters and managers of the Congress invited the "Mormons" to deliver their message, and courteously gave their chosen representative a prominent place among those who were to take part in the program the first

day. They were pleased to recognize "Mormonism," so called, as one of the great and vital religious movements of the world. If the Congress at Chicago, twenty-two years ago, treated dogma most ; and that at St. Louis, eleven years ago, dwelt largely on learning, it is a fact which most will admit that "in San Fran- cisco the keynote is service." One writer has said, "the Philos- ophy of 'doing good' triumphs over the philosophy of 'being good' or 'being wise.' It is the new and aggressive philosophy of the twentieth century." The Latter-day Saints believe in scientific truth, in learning, in service, hence, the leaders of this Congress made no mistake in giving them a courteous hearing. It is a privilege and duty of the youth of our community to so establish the faith of their fathers in their own hearts that they shall be a light to the world, in gospel doctrine, in scientific and spiritual truth, in learning, and in the philosophy and practice of religion and service. In this way they shall grow strong and pure and great, and the message of salvation which they have inherited, as the sons and daughters of Zion, shall be perpetuated among all nations, tongues and peoples forever. Cast it not aside, therefore, as unworthy of serious and studious consideration, or as of little interest. The Ogden Tabernacle Choir The excellent Ogden Tabernacle Choir, in its July visit to the Pacific coast, under the direction of Professor Joseph Ballantyne, was enthusiastically received in all the leading cities, particularly in San Diego before the great exposition organ. This grand out- of-door organ, the largest of its kind in the world, was presented to the city of San Diego by John D. and Adolph B. Spreckles. The choir's work was greatly enjoyed and appreciated, as testified to by the inhabitants as well as by the thousands of visitors who heard its renditions. Miss Emma Lucy Gates, the Utah prima donna, re- ceived here as elsewhere all along the journey an ovation. The choir, its soloists, and its proficient director, with John J. Mc- Clellan, the noted organist, were similarly appreciated. In the San Diego Fair grounds fifteen thousand people listened intently to the music and song as they floated out over the open-air audi- torium into the chief avenues of the marvelous exposition. The enthusiasm was great. In Los Angeles the choir and soloists ap- peared on several occasions and we're well received. In San Fran- cisco, at Festival Hall, the choir was assisted in their several suc- cessful concerts by the Exposition orchestra of eighty performers directed by Richard Hageman, the third conductor of the Metro-

politan Opera House in New York City. On Saturday afternoon, July 24, on the occasion of their last appearance, Festival Hall was packed with thousands of appreciative listeners. Here also the choir was assisted by Miss Gates who made a decided impres- sion. The people of California, as well as the press, were enthusi- astic in their praises of the choir, its leader, the organist and the special soloists. The choir and all concerned are entitled to Utah's hearty congratulation for their able representation of our Bee-hive State. Genealogical S:ciety Convention Early in the year, the California Genealogical Society sent out invitations to the geneaogical and patriotic societies of the country to meet in San Francisco during the time of the Exposition in an International Congress of Genealogy. When the Genealogical Society of Utah received this invitation, it accepted it, and immedi- ately appointed committees to work it up. The result was that on July 22, a "Utah Genealogical Special" of fourteen cars containing about two hundred fifty people, left Salt Lake City for San Fran- cisco. The greater number of the party, with the Salt Lake High School Cadets and Ogden Tabernacle Choir, took part in the celebration of LTtah Day, at the Utah Building, on July 24. On July 27, the Utah Society held three sessions in the Civic Audi- torium, which, though not on the grounds, is one of the permanent Exposition buildings. The exercises were devoted to papers on historical subjects, and a demonstration of class work in genealogy, as conducted by the society. Presidents Joseph F. Smith, Anthon H. Lund, Charles W. Penrose, and Joseph F. Smith, Jr., Nephi Anderson, Susa Young Gates, Elizabeth C. McCune, and Emma Lucy Gates took part in the exercises. The sessions of the Inter- national Congress of Genealogy were held in the same room on July 28, 29, and 30. There were representatives from many so- cieties in the United States, and some from Europe. Some very excellent papers were read, and a permanent organization was ef- fected which, it is hoped, will be the beginning of important and far-reaching results. The Utah Society, because of its numbers, and the active and intelligent part its delegates took in these meet- ings, received full and courteous recognition in the sesssions of the Congress. After the meetings the members of the party visited the Exposition, and then proceeded to Los Angeles ; then to San Diego where they visited the Fair. At Los Angeles the party sep- arated but the main body returned to San Francisco and home by way of the Southern Pacific, in the special train. By resolution a federation of the Genealogical Societies was formed under the title of International Genealogical Federation. The official pro-

ceedings of the Congress, by resolution, will be published in the October number of The Utah Genealogical and Historical Mag- azine. Messages from the Missions Ready for Tracting Elder Horace O. Hall, York, England; July 30: "Myself and Myrl Lewis had a very pleasant visit from some of the elders of the Newcastle conference. We visited some of the ancient places in and surrounding York, one of the oldest cities in the isle. We are all happy and enjoying our labors in the service of the Lord. The picture shows the elders with their bicycles, modern way of tracting in the country, a great conrtast to the methods used in early missionary work. Elders left to right: John G. Hancock, Ogden; Horace O. Hall, Victor E. Israelson, Hyrum; Floyd C. Jensen, Huntsville; Myrl Lewis, Marion, Utah; Leonard O. Ockey, Cardston, Canada. Grateful for Peace Elder John C. Preston, Chattanooga, Tenn., June 18: "We are grateful for the blessings of peace that we are enjoying in these parts and for the privilege given us to preach the gospel truths among the southern people. We are looked upon as true Bible believers. We are not allowed to preach on the streets in this city so we hold cottage meetings almost every evening in the week, thus adding continually new friends to our list. The southern people here are very hospitable and the majority are religiously inclined. Thev are a God-fearing people. In our tracting we always take Pooks of Mormon and smaller

books and try to sell them, in which we have good success. We are united and enjoying our labors and extend our best wishes to our co- laborers throughout all the missions." "Mormonism" Has Friends and Champions. Elder Irvin L. Warnick, Freeport, North Illinois conference, June 8. "During a five weeks' country trip, covering 250 miles through northern Illinois, these elders distributed forty-five Books of Mormon, 419 Bible commentaries, and 24,731 tracts and pam- phlets. They traveled without purse or scrip; and although the stormy weather was uncomfortable, the Lord prepared the way so that friends administered to their wants. They traversed much of the territory where prejudice caused the Saints so much trouble seventy- five years ago. Today a different spirit exists. 'Mormonism' has not only friends, but ardent champions, among a, once indifferent popula- tion Elders left to right, standing: Harold W. Nielsen, Hyrum, Utah; U A Hudson, Cardston, Canada; M. Hatch Rigby, Asa E. Empey, Idaho Falls; sitting, EM Chnstensen, Shelley, Idaho^ A H. ctA,' nn Salt Lake City; Conference President I. L. W arnica, Monroe, H. C SylveSer, E^sinore; and F. W. Wayman, Centerville, Utah." Steady Growth in Numbers Elder Wa R. Stoddard, I-^^^^ft^fteJSJt "We are enjoying our labors in this branch and J^S J d efforts of the Saints and missionaries can see the fruits ot oi ors by the steady growth of both i member ^and mends ^o ^ We have an ideal circulate , for ^the fXVtowards QUr peopl Th- ing those who read to have a better i * b embrace the gospel thev book has been the means of causing some to ^ and having gained a testimony as to rts J«c asking further street meetings each week. Many peupic

questions of us and explanations of our teachings. Our Sunday meet- ings are very well attended and we are greatly blessed by the Spirit of the Lord." More Interested in War than Religion Elder Charles S. Schofield, Brisbane, Australia, July 7: "The people here are more interested in war than in religion, and we are turned from many doors without even having one of our free tracts accepted. We have recently distributed hand bills at the Sun- day evening meetings. On these were advertisements for the follow- ing Sunday, giving the subject upon which we would speak at the Latter-day Saints Church, Gibbons St. This has attracted the atten- tion of a few people, and so aided us in presenting the gospel to quite a number." A Sunday School in Germany Friedrich Radichel, Berlin-Steglitz, Germany, sends the following picture taken on the 6th of June, representing the Sunday School of the Berlin branch, Germany. The officers and teachers of the Berlin branch Sunday School, L. D. S., top row, left to right: Marta Kuster, organist; Linna Junius and Hertha Noack, teachers Primary department; Max Bonk and Minna Kitz, teachers Intermediate department; Clemens Wolf, par- ents' department teacher; Johannes Kuster, first assistant; Wilhelm Zumpe, superintendent and branch president; Adolph Reich, second assistant; Marta Schulze, secretary; Friedrick Radichel, teacher The- ological department, organist and chorister; Anna Hoffmann, secre- tary.

BERLIN, GERMANY, BRANCH SUNDAY SCHOOL 4i ** + w 1 ^ s * ? f <v 1 ij a : ».<* *> * % * K, . ^Bfc... "'M ft 4 rz / ...^w*« Jm g^^m £-, " '■ Headquarters in New Zealand The following are the elders of the Hauraki conference, New Zealand, left to right standing: W. J. Olpin, Nephi, Utah; S. S. Decker, conference president of the Maori work, Taylor, Arizona; Glenn J. Thurman, Provo; Van F. McBride, Tooele, Utah; W. L. Adams, Bunkerville, Nevada; sitting: Matthew Cowley, Salt Lake City, Utah; C. B. Stewart, Thatcher, Arizona; John A. Jensen, Redmond; F. J. Foulger, conference president of Enrooean work, Ogden; W. L.

Knight, Ogden, Utah. Thames is the headquarters of European jwork, and is the second largest European branch in the mission. Branches and Sunday Schools Organized Elder J. J. Sarbach, Chattanooga, Tenn., July 28: "The elders here are laboring in places where a few years ago elders of the Church were mobbed. Very much interest is now shown and the elders are accorded excellent treatment. Several branches have been organized recently and also many Sunday Schools." Scarcity of Missionaries in Sweden Mission Secretary Walter A. Peterson, Stockholm, Sweden, July 20: "All the missionaries laboring in the Swedish nation were present at a conference in Stockholm, July 3 and 4. Here they reported their labors for the past six months, showing satisfactory work considering the conditions under which they are compelled to labor. Ministers in various parts of the island have shown some opposition to which the elders paid little attention. The war is not affecting us very much, except that the cost of living is considerably higher now than before the war. A scarcity of missionaries, however, greatly hinders the work in Sweden. Among the six millions of people of this country we have only fifteen missionaries to preach the gospel. We rejoice that we have been promised more laborers, Missionaries, native and from Zion, laboring in Sweden, left to right, back row: John F. Dahlman, Orebro, Sweden; Emil A. Neilson, Afton, Wyo.; Edith Land- berg, Gefle, Sweden; Emil Hendrickson, Jonkoping, Sweden; Carl J. Sanders, Stock- holm Sweden; Erb M. Tohnson, Tooele, Utah; middle row: Peter Swenson, Twin Falls Idaho; Walter A. Peterson, mission secretary, Salt Lake City; Johan H. Hqlm- quist Malmo, Sweden; John A. Carlson, Skane conference president, bait Lake City; Claus Persson, Malmo, Sweden; Nephi Nordgran, Goteborg conference president, Monroe, Utah; Albin Erickson, Mink Creek, Idaho; front row sitting: Carl J. Lanzen. Stockholm, Sweden; Even Svenson, editor mission paper, Satt Lake Ciyt; lians J. Christiansen, President of the Scandinavian mission, Salt Lake City; Mission President Theodore Tobiason, Salt Lake City; Erik W. Larson, Stockholm conference president, Ogden, Utah; and Nils A. Janson, Sundvall conference president, Thatcher, Idaho. A Faithful Native Worker Dead "Finau Meleseini, daughter of Iki and Levaitai Iupou and a faith- ful member of the Church, died at Vavau, Tonga Islands, June 18 1915. She was born March 19, 1904, and was beloved by elders and Saints,

owing to her splendid character, and talent in performing her duties as a member of the Church. She joined the Relief Society when only ten years of age, was secretary of the Primary Association in her tenth year, and never found absent from her duties. She was a faithful attendant at Sunday School, Relief Society and Primary, and the les- son taught by her life is, "Time is too precious for any one to be idle." She was very kind to the missionaries and a leader among her school mates and all she did was done with energy and good will. She spoke English well and had kind words for all. She was sick only eight days but she bore her severe illness with soldier-like fortitude. Her. life was an example to all and, though only eleven years of age, her character was of the kind that will merit eternal^ life through Jesus Christ and she will have part in the first resurrection." Conference in Maine Elder G. Humphries, president of the Maine Conference, July 27: "The Maine conference meetings were successful. Large numbers of interested people were in attendance at each session, some being from Augusta. We had with us Elder George Albert Smith of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles, and President Monson, of the Eastern States Mission, both of whom explained the principles of the gospel. The Spirit of the Lord was manifested in the meeting and in the testi- monies of the elders and lady missionaries. Little Janet Burk, age five whose parents have been members of the Church for ten months, repeated from memory the Articles of Faith. The elders have been successful in making many friends in Augusta this summer, five ot whom came to conference. Lewiston, Concord, and other places have been successfully visited by the elders. At the close of the confer- ence the elders went to meet with many other elders, on the Z4tn, at the Joseph Smith farm, Sharon, Vermont, from which place they will go to their various fields of labor. Elders from left .to right .standing. Thomas Allen, W. R. Burke, Portland, Maine; Fred WaH, W. H. Tovce David Shelley, H. H. Rawlings, Gertrude Phelps O. V. Ander on Alice Rasmussen, W. R. Jensen Joseph Robinson ^ James Lassen, sitting: G. A. Adams, Geraint Humphreys, Elder George Albert Smith, President W. P. Monson, M. G. Kuhre, retiring conference president, Lorenzo Standifird, succeeding President Kuhre.